Immunizations Decrease Lupus Risk

Lupus is a condition in which the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks healthy cells and tissues. The purpose of the immune system is to protect the body by attacking foreign invading substances. However, in some conditions, such as lupus, the immune system attacks healthy cells and tissues as well. The exact cause is unknown. Lupus may show up with different symptoms, such as joint pain, muscle pain, fatigue, and hair loss. Persons affected are more susceptible to infections because the immune system is no longer strong enough to prevent and fight infections.

Drugs used to treat lupus may increase susceptibility to infection. These include steroids and cytotoxic drugs. Azathioprine (Imuran) and cyclophosphamide (Cytoxan) are cytotoxic drugs that decrease the normal functions of the immune system and raise the risk of infection. In most cases, however, controlling the condition with medications is more important than the risk of infection. Immunizations are one way to help decrease the risk of certain types of infections in persons affected with lupus. Although it is possible that live virus vaccines may trigger a lupus flare, live vaccines such as polio, measles, and tetanus are sometimes used in persons with lupus.